A Fat Boy’s Big Dreams

August 17, 2012December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

And the nightmares caused by bullies

There’s that fat boy in the Nikes
we see jogging in big shoes.
Makes me think about the jeans I owned at ten.
I wore “huskies” and I panted as I ran those fifty yards.
And I grimace just remembering back then.

Kids can be so cruel and heartless
as they hurl unkind remarks.
Like a javelin, words pierce and go real deep.
Having felt the sting of bullies,
how I ache for boys like me
who can smile by day then go to bed and weep.

I’m so proud of Nathan Sorrell
and the progress he has made
to become a much more healthy 12 year old.
May his mockers soon be muffled.
May his hopes and dreams come true
as he takes first step to reach his lofty goal.

And that lofty goal is greatness,
what God wills for all of us
as we run the human race and walk with Him.
We are born to know His pleasure
as we push with all our might
to accomplish what it takes to finally win.

*based on this Nike commercial aired during the 2012 Summer Olympics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2kdMU4Mk9Y

Let Your Light So Shine

August 10, 2012December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

Spiritual lessons from the London Olympics

While the Games of the Olympics
were contested
people asked
why’s the flame concealed
within the stad-i-um?
What it stands for is deserving
to be prominently seen.
That it’s not displayed more broadly
seems quite dumb.

But the cauldron remained hidden
from the start until the end.
Looking back,
it was a needless oversight.
Just by changing the location
of that most majestic flame
millions more could have enjoyed
its beauty bright.

Like a city on a hillside
that is visible for miles,
we are called to dispel darkness
everyday.
That’s the lesson Jesus taught us
when He called us to be light
and illuminate
the one and only way.

Let your light so shine, He chided,
that the world can clearly see
all the good we do
so God is glorified.
Do not hide it neath a bushel
or in some remote locale.
It’s a flame that should be seen
both far and wide.

* based on Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

** http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/28/oly-cauldron-controversy-day-idUSL6E8IS1PK20120728

What’s the Beef?

August 3, 2012December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

Why the Chick-fil-A boycott is foul!

A fast food chain called Chick-fil-A
believes in marriages God’s way.
And that’s their right. For, after all,
this is America.

They still serve gays. They have no beef
with human rights. It’s their belief
that marriage is defined by God
and not by culture’s whim.

They do not think outside the bun
like those intent on same-sex fun.
They value things traditional.
And Sundays they are closed.

It’s kinda fishy don’t you think
that protesters should make a stink
because a chain attempts to live
by values God affirms?

If Colonel Sanders did the same
would gay folk play the boycott game?
Or would they simply order wings
and let him voice his views?

The Ultimate Olympic Champion

July 27, 2012December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

Anticipating a closing ceremony to come

For God so loved the world
He refused to remain in the starting blocks of Heaven.
With a shot of inspiration,
He entered the human race
hurdling over the barrier of sin
in order to run alongside us.

Leaving His divine prerogatives behind,
He dove into the pool of culture
making a controversial splash in human history.
His form was impressive and His timing amazing.
No wonder He received a perfect score.
All the same His credentials were criticized
and His nationality called into question.

Crowned with a victor’s wreath,
He was paraded before an apathetic crowd
before He ascended the awards podium.
High and lifted up on an old rugged cross,
He bowed to His Father’s will.
No national anthem was heard that day.
Just a chorus of hisses and boos
and a dreadful dirge of death.

Collapsing from more than exhaustion,
His Olympic trial was over.
The marathon of obedience
had taken a greater toll than anyone had anticipated.

He had tasted of the thrill of victory
and the agony of defeat
as well as the indescribable satisfaction
of knowing His performance
would bring the grandstands to their feet
at the closing ceremony of time.

For every knee will bow (in Heaven and on earth)
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

A Quiz for Newlyweds

July 20, 2012December 2, 2021 / Greg Asimakoupoulos

Evaluating the first year of marriage

It’s been a year since you “I do-ed”
and made your marriage bed.
And so let’s test what you’ve achieved
as veteran newlyweds.

When tempted to assert your way
and disregard the other,
did you give in or choose to serve
the wishes of your lover?

Did you carve out a time each week
to have a special date?
Did you attempt to say each day
“I love you” to your mate?

When romance bowed to life’s demands
and passion’s flame grew dim,
did you remember feelings fade
but will return again?

Did you take walks while holding hands
and stop to smell a rose?
Did you encourage talks with God
and books by which faith grows?

When stress at work refused to stay
and followed you back home,
did you confess your inner angst
or face it all alone?

When anger raised its ugly head
resulting in a fight,
did you resolve to talk it through
before you said “good night?”

Did you find unexpected ways
to celebrate your spouse?
Like secret notes or weekend trips
or tidying the house?

When income and expenses clashed,
how did you two behave?
Did you ignore the bottom line
or did you start to save?

Did you rehearse the day each night
before you fell asleep?
And did you both together pray
the Lord your souls to keep?

Well, there it is. A lovers’ quiz.
A test of what you vowed.
Are you dismayed by how you scored?
I’m hoping that you’re proud.